HR Teams: How to Conduct Virtual Interviews

To conduct virtual interviews, prepare thoroughly. Test your tech setup, organize questions, and create a professional setting. During the interview, actively listen, allow two-way dialogue, and evaluate skills and remote work readiness.

Using pre-employment assessments can also provide valuable insight into candidates’ abilities, personalities, and job fit for remote roles. 

Remote work is the new reality for professionals worldwide, and it’s here to stay. However, as members of HR teams, adapting to virtual interviews has probably left many feeling a bit lost at sea. If that describes you…you’re not alone.

Workable reports that 33.1% of employers view remote hiring as their biggest challenge in the post-pandemic labor market.

Between the lack of body language cues, potential tech snafus, and the struggle to build rapport through a screen, it’s easy to see why. Here’s the good news though: Mastering virtual interviews opens up a world of opportunity. You’ll gain access to an endless talent pool free from geographic constraints. 

You can attract and hire the brightest minds from every corner with the right strategies.

What is a Remote Interview? 

A remote job interview is an interview for a specific role that takes place virtually instead of in person. Rather than meeting face-to-face, the interviewer and candidate connect via video conferencing tools such as Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, or Teams.

This approach offers flexibility and convenience for both parties, eliminating the need for travel and associated costs.

How Can HR Teams Prepare for Virtual Interviews?

Proper preparation is key. HR teams can ensure a smooth and efficient virtual interview experience by following these guidelines:

Communicate Clearly

When scheduling the interview, provide comprehensive details, including the date, time (and time zone), interview platform (Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, etc.), and whether it will be an audio-only or video interview. Clarity from the outset sets the right tone and helps candidates feel at ease.

Test Your Technology

Ever been late for a meeting because your video conferencing software needed an update? Nothing is more frustrating than technical glitches during an important interview.

Conduct a dry run to ensure your microphone, webcam, and internet connection are working properly. Consider using virtual background tools to maintain a professional, distraction-free setting.

Create a Structured Interview Plan

Create a list of questions in advance and have it open in front of you, so you can add candidate answers or notes as needed. If you’re interviewing to fill a remote (work-from-anywhere) position, include questions to help you determine if the candidate will be a good remote worker.

Upwork suggests using these interview questions: 

• How do you create strong engagement with other team members despite the physical distance?
• What remote communication and project management software and tools are you familiar with?
• What techniques will you use to stay motivated and focused while working remotely?

Plan to include information about your company and culture as well.

Use Pre-Employment Assessments

65% of companies use pre-hire assessments to decide which candidates move forward in the recruitment process. These tools can be particularly valuable for HR teams hiring for remote roles, where in-person interactions are limited. 

Pre-employment tests can help you evaluate a candidate’s cognitive abilities, personality traits, job-specific skills, and cultural fit, providing a more comprehensive understanding of their potential through data provided by test scores

Study the Candidate’s Background

Review the candidate’s resume, cover letter, portfolio (if applicable), and other materials thoroughly. Familiarize yourself with their qualifications and experiences to ask meaningful follow-up questions and engage in a more substantive conversation.

Set the Stage

Choose a quiet, well-lit space free from distractions. Dress professionally, as you would for an in-person interview, to maintain a professional tone and respect the candidate’s time and effort.

Have a Backup Plan

If an interview starts to stall from the start due to difficulty getting video software or a virtual meeting room to function, be prepared to switch fluidly into simple phone call mode. Your candidate will only become more flustered and nervous if the call is delayed due to tech issues

Confirm Before the Interview

Emails with meeting details can get lost or accidentally archived or deleted, so send a follow-up the day before or the morning of the interview to ensure your candidate has all the information they need. Make this message personable to put them at ease.

How To Conduct Virtual Interviews Successfully

With the proper preparation in place, it’s time to dive into the remote interview. Here are some tips for HR teams to ensure a smooth and effective experience:

Establish Rapport

Start the interview with a warm greeting and some light conversation to help the candidate feel comfortable. A positive first impression can go a long way in creating a relaxed atmosphere conducive to open and honest dialogue.

Be an Active Listener

Have you ever been in a meeting where you see the person leading it responding to emails? Nothing is more disheartening to a candidate than to feel what they have to share isn’t important. During the interview, practice active listening by giving the candidate your undivided attention.

Maintain eye contact (through the camera), nod, or provide verbal cues to show you’re engaged. And for goodness’ sake, shut down your email and other productivity apps to avoid multitasking.

Ask Probing Questions

While sticking to your structured interview plan, don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions or probe deeper into a candidate’s responses. This approach can reveal valuable insights into their thought processes, problem-solving abilities, and overall fit for the role.

Assess Remote Work Readiness

For remote positions, it’s crucial to evaluate a candidate’s suitability for remote work. Ask about their experience with remote collaboration tools, time management strategies, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision. 

Provide a Realistic Job Preview

Be transparent about the role’s expectations, responsibilities, and company culture. Offer a glimpse into the day-to-day realities of the position to ensure the candidate fully understands what they’re signing up for.

Allow Space for Questions

Leave ample time at the end of the interview for the candidate to ask their questions. This not only demonstrates your willingness to engage in an open dialogue but also provides valuable insights into their priorities and concerns.

Wrapping It Up

Remember, remote work is here to stay, and mastering the art of remote interviews will give you a significant competitive advantage in attracting and retaining top talent. 

Embrace the opportunity to connect with candidates from around the globe and enjoy the benefits of a diverse and talented remote workforce. 

With the right tools, including pre-employment assessments, HR teams can gain valuable insights into a candidate’s suitability for remote work, making more informed hiring decisions and setting your organization up for success.

Request a free sample test today and experience how pre-employment assessments can supercharge your virtual interviews!